Navy

Japan to Convert Izumo-Class Into F-35-Carrying Aircraft Carrier

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) largest warship, the so-called helicopter destroyer JS Izumo, the lead ship of the Izumo-class, will be converted into an aircraft carrier capable of launching the F-35B–the U.S. Marine Corps variant of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter capable of vertical or short takeoffs and vertical landings (STOVL) without requiring a catapult launcher—from its flight deck, according to Japan’s new draft defense plan presented on December 11.

The revised version of the National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG), which set out Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) capability targets over a period of about 10 years, stated that the government will “enable fighter jets to be operated from existing warships, if necessary, to improve the flexibility of their operation.” The NDPG furthermore re-designates the JS Izumo as a multi-purpose escort destroyer to comply with Japan’s pacifist constitution that limits JSDF capabilities to self-defense.

“The Izumo was originally designed as a multipurpose escort ship, so it wouldn’t pose any threat to other countries if fighter jets are deployed on it,” Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya was quoted as saying by The Japan Times on December 11. Iwaya also reiterated that the warship would not be an “attack aircraft carrier” capable of offensive military operations. Furthermore, to assuage its junior coalition partner, Komeito, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party stressed that the F-35Bs operating from the JS Izumo’s flight deck cannot serve as long-distance attack platforms given that the JSDF lacks mid-air refueling capabilities. Additionally, no F-35B squadron is expected to be permanently assigned to the new carrier.